Taking art to another level

Aug 15 2007 by Chris Conway, Evening Chronicle

ALL I HEAR IS BLAH BLAH BLAH TEEN TAKEOVER – THE BALTIC, NEWCASTLE QUAYSIDE

Throughout the region, opinion is split when it comes to the controversial Art Gallery, the Baltic, housed on Newcastle’s ultra-cool quayside.

Some love it, some hate it, however, one thing which not even Baltic lovers would have expected to see happen, just did.

Teenagers took control of the whole of Level 2 of the Baltic, and staged a day of art, music and drawing. The one and only rule being that is was for teenagers only.

The day was designed primarily by the Blah Blah Blah Baltic Teen panel, and the best part of it all was that it was free.

The day started at 11am and continued to 5pm, with music and entertainment provided throughout.

Once inside, teens were encouraged to express themselves however they thought fit, because the day was all about artistic expression, no matter what level of artistic skill they had.

The music and entertainment was provided in part by DJ Sandy from the Sage, who contributed some unconventional rap, creating a really funky atmosphere.

Lost Cause, who had travelled from the Sound Room in Gateshead, also offered their own musical helping to the session, with a soft Indie sound and a mellow selection of lyrics, making all in the room feel very welcome and maybe even a little inspired.

Both artists had their own audiences, although I’m quite sure that many of the teenagers indulged in both, as they were both really interesting to watch.

While enjoying the activities, I had the opportunity to speak to a few teenagers who were enjoying the activities. Many commented on the fact that the day was unique, interesting and fun at the same time.

I also spoke to Phoebe, one of the Blah Blah Blah Teen Panel representatives, who had also helped organise the day.

She said that the whole concept was that “It was for teenagers, designed by teenagers in a teenagers-only space,” certainly showing not only how much thought had gone into the day, but also that, for a change, teenagers’ wants and needs had been thought of.

Throughout the day there were three workshops on offer, with artistic assistance from resident contemporary artist Ant.

The Thought Balloons class was certainly not only thought-provoking, but also an entertaining activity, which had many of the teenagers in attendance jotting down their innermost thoughts and feelings on to a balloon which was pinned to the wall by the staircase. Each finished balloon was added to an overall bigger piece of art.

In the T-shirt design session, people were told to draw whatever they felt. The more artistic teens made their T-shirts look very cool. However, as I have no ability as an artist, the best I managed was to draw stick people, so unfortunately my shirt will not be going on display.

The final workshop was the chance for the teenagers to draw whatever on to the walls of the Baltic, under the watchful eye of Ant, who was around to offer advice on what to do and how to improve.

Overall, the day was great fun, and credit needs to be paid to the Baltic Teen Panel for organising such an impressive event.

And although I am not an art lover or a budding artist, I still really enjoyed it.

Another brilliant day for teenagers from to enjoy their summer holidays.